HURRAH.

Bus lane cameras in Hull will be switched back on this week after they were turned off in January.

The move comes after Hull City Council’s Cabinet decision in December to retain 7am to 6.30pm bus lanes following a trial period. Since the introduction of cameras, bus companies have reported nine per cent faster journey times but many motorists have complained about increased congestion on some routes.

As part of the new traffic regulation orders advertised in March, cycle lane contraflow access and one-way orders relating to Baker Street and Wright Street have also become permanent. The news comes just as the council's administration has changed hands from Labour to Lib Dems who have previously raised concerns about the bus lanes.

The measures were introduced after the council launched an active travel strategy accelerated in June 2020, as part of the Government’s commitment towards building on the increase in walking and cycling experienced during the lockdown period.

A council blunder earlier this year left the authority powerless to issue fixed penalty notices to motorists using the lanes during operational hours when officials failed to ensure the new permanent traffic regulation order was ready to replace the previous one covering the experimental trial period.

The mistake forced the council to rescind a number of £60 penalties. It also asked drivers to stay out of the bus lanes while enforcement was suspended.

The mix-up triggered a call-in over how another round of public consultation over the issue had been carried out before Labour council leader Daren Hale confirmed the go-ahead of the all-day lanes just 48 hours before last week's election. Incoming Lib Dem council leader Mike Ross says his group will look again at the issue after confirming his personal support for the idea of reverting back to carrying out enforcement at peak morning and afternoon times only.

Penalty notices will not be dished out straight away. Instead, there will be a warning period of two weeks before enforcement resumes on Monday, May 23. Carr Lane bus gate in the city centre has remained active throughout and motorists are continuing to receive fixed penalties for using this lane.

Andy Burton, assistant director of Streetscene at Hull City Council, said: “By implementing all-day bus lanes we are seeing steady bus punctuality improvements across the board, especially as buses approach the inner core the city’s road network, allowing for smoother and more efficient movement of public transport.

"The dedicated bus and cycle lanes also encourage people to travel more actively, and help to directly combat air pollution, reduce congestion on the roads and improve health and wellbeing – a key part of Hull’s strategy towards becoming carbon neutral by 2030. This is a vital part of our plans to encourage more sustainable travel from commuters, whether this be cycling, walking or using the buses following the launch of the active travel campaign earlier this year.”

The Walk It, Bike It, Bus It campaign encourages residents to be part of the journey towards changing travel, as the city works towards developing an environment that can facilitate sustainable transport options for people from all walks of life.

By choosing active and sustainable travel, the council believes it will reduce the carbon footprint of travellers and encourage a healthier lifestyle. A survey carried out last year which found residents would walk or cycle in order to improve their health and support climate change.

Drivers are advised to make sure they check the signs and road markings for details as to when and where these restrictions apply. Hull City Council will begin enforcing the orders this week with warning notices, before issuing fines from Monday, May 23 at which point driving in a bus lane will result in a penalty charge notice.

https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/hull-east-yorkshire-news/hull-bus-lane-cameras-switched-7055930